Laurie Halse Anderson

Laurie Halse Anderson is an American writer known for children's and young adult novels. She is best known for her novel 'Speak,' which was a National Book Award finalist.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Speak

    A high school freshman becomes a social outcast after calling the police to break up a summer party and refuses to explain why. As she navigates the challenges of high school, she struggles with a traumatic event from the party that has left her feeling silenced. Throughout the year, she slowly regains her voice and confronts her attacker, ultimately revealing the truth about what happened that night.

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  2. 2. Chains

    Seeds of America

    Set during the American Revolutionary War, this gripping historical novel follows the journey of a young enslaved girl named Isabel who yearns for freedom. As she navigates the turbulent landscape of New York City, Isabel becomes entangled in the conflict between the Loyalists and the Patriots. Her quest for liberty is fraught with danger and betrayal, yet her resilience and courage shine through as she fights to reclaim her life and protect her younger sister. Through Isabel's eyes, readers witness the harsh realities of slavery and the complexities of a nation on the brink of independence.

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  3. 3. Wintergirls

    In a haunting exploration of grief, guilt, and the struggle for self-acceptance, the story follows Lia, a teenage girl grappling with anorexia and the recent death of her best friend, Cassie. As Lia battles her inner demons and the relentless voice of her eating disorder, she is haunted by memories of Cassie, who died alone in a motel room after leaving Lia thirty-three unanswered calls. The narrative delves into Lia's tumultuous journey towards healing, as she confronts the ghosts of her past and the harsh realities of her present, ultimately seeking redemption and a path to recovery.

  4. 4. Fever 1793

    Set in the sweltering summer of 1793, this historical novel follows the harrowing journey of a young girl named Mattie Cook as she navigates the chaos and devastation brought on by the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia. As the fever spreads, Mattie's once predictable life is turned upside down, forcing her to confront fear, loss, and the harsh realities of survival. Amidst the turmoil, she discovers inner strength and resilience, forging new relationships and finding hope in the face of adversity. The narrative vividly captures the atmosphere of a city in crisis, offering a poignant exploration of human endurance and the bonds that sustain us in times of crisis.

  5. 5. Ashes

    Set against the backdrop of the American Revolutionary War, this gripping historical novel follows the journey of Isabel and Curzon as they navigate the tumultuous landscape of a nation in conflict. As they strive for freedom and justice, the duo faces numerous challenges, from the harsh realities of war to the complexities of personal loyalties and friendships. Their story is a poignant exploration of resilience, courage, and the enduring quest for liberty in a world fraught with uncertainty and change.

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  6. 6. Forge

    Set during the American Revolutionary War, the story follows Curzon, a young African American soldier who navigates the harsh realities of Valley Forge. As he grapples with the brutal winter, scarce resources, and the complexities of friendship and loyalty, Curzon's journey is one of survival and self-discovery. The narrative delves into themes of freedom, identity, and the struggle for equality, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who fought for independence while battling their own personal battles.

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  7. 7. Shout

    A lyrical memoir-in-verse that chronicles a woman’s experience of sexual assault as a teenager, the long years of silence and shame that followed, and her hard-won path to speaking out; blending poetry, personal memory, and political reflection, it confronts trauma, anger, and recovery while urging survivors to be heard and readers to bear witness.

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